Karnataka Deputy CM Shivakumar Affirms Siddaramaiah's Continuance Amid Corruption Allegations

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar has confirmed that Siddaramaiah will continue as Chief Minister despite corruption allegations. This follows recent comments by senior Congress MLA R V Deshpande expressing his desire for the position. Siddaramaiah has taken legal action challenging the Governor’s sanction for corruption investigation.

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar on Monday confirmed that the Chief Minister's post is not vacant and incumbent Siddaramaiah will remain in office.

Shivakumar was responding to remarks made by senior Congress MLA and Administrative Reforms Commission Chairperson R V Deshpande, who expressed his aspirations to become the next Chief Minister.

Shivakumar asserted, 'The Chief Minister's post is not vacant. Our government continues under Siddaramaiah. There would be relevance to this discussion only if the post were vacant. The current Chief Minister will continue.' He also mentioned that while there is nothing wrong with Deshpande's ambition, such desires should not be publicly expressed. Regarding the ongoing MUDA case, where Chief Minister Siddaramaiah faces corruption allegations, Shivakumar dismissed concerns, saying, 'There will be no adverse judgment, the Chief Minister will continue his work.'

Karnataka Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot has approved legal proceedings under Sections 17A of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and 218 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, based on petitions related to the MUDA land allotment 'scam'. On August 19, Siddaramaiah challenged the Governor's order in the High Court.

(With inputs from agencies.)